Gumbramorra Swamp, located between Marrickville and Sydenham, has been filled in but in 1788 would have contained patches of fresh and brackish water. Depending on the availability of fresh water the swamp may have been an attraction for terrestrial animals.

The roots of reeds and rushes that grew in the swamp could be eaten whilst the leaves provided fiber for weaving. Aboriginal people may have lived on the fringes of the swamp close to freshwater locations.